UpScrolled Founder: Platform Surpasses 2.5M Users - AI News Today Recency

# UpScrolled Founder: Platform Surpasses 2.5M Users

UpScrolled, a rising social media platform founded by Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist Issam Hijazi, has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 2.5 million users through rapid word-of-mouth growth[3]. The app's explosive expansion comes as users worldwide seek alternatives to established social networks amid major changes in the digital landscape, positioning UpScrolled as a significant player in the competitive social media market.

The Explosive Growth Story Behind UpScrolled

UpScrolled's journey to 2.5 million users represents one of the fastest growth trajectories in recent social media history[3]. Launched in June 2025, the platform initially accumulated 150,000 users before experiencing a dramatic acceleration[3]. The surge intensified following major developments in the social media industry, with the app recording an average of approximately 14,000 daily downloads and achieving a 2,850% increase in daily download rates[1]. According to market intelligence provider Appfigures, the platform accumulated roughly 41,000 downloads between January 23-25, 2026, accounting for nearly one-third of its lifetime installs at that time[1].

The growth has been particularly pronounced in the United States and Canada, where UpScrolled became the most-downloaded social media app[3]. As of late January 2026, the platform had recorded approximately 400,000 downloads in the US and 700,000 globally, with 85% of US downloads occurring between January 21-27[2]. The app's ascent has been so rapid that it reached the No. 1 position in Apple's App Store social networking category, surpassing established competitors including Meta's Threads, WhatsApp, and TikTok[2].

Vision and Features: A Reimagined Social Media Platform

Founder Issam Hijazi, who previously worked at tech giants IBM and Oracle, created UpScrolled with a mission to fundamentally reimagine social media[2]. The platform is designed to "empower users worldwide — a space to freely express thoughts, share moments, and connect with others," according to the company's official messaging[2]. Hijazi articulated his vision, stating that "UpScrolled is the foundation for a digital ecosystem that puts power back into the hands of the people — not the corporations"[1].

UpScrolled blends familiar features from Instagram and X, allowing users to share photos, videos, and text posts while discovering new content and sending direct messages[1]. The platform includes a Discovery Page similar to Snapchat or Instagram for viewing popular videos, and users can follow hashtags and trends for topics in their area, mirroring functionality found on X[3]. This combination of established features creates an intuitive user experience that appeals to those transitioning from other platforms.

The platform emphasizes transparency and user control as core principles[2]. The team behind UpScrolled states they are "building a platform that belongs to the people who use it — not to hidden algorithms or outside agendas," positioning itself as more than just an alternative to Meta, X, or TikTok[1].

Data Privacy and User Trust in a Competitive Landscape

Data privacy has become increasingly important to users evaluating social media alternatives, and UpScrolled addresses these concerns directly[3]. The platform collects user data including personal information, location, photos, and videos, along with usage metrics, primarily for fraud prevention, security, and account management[3]. Importantly, UpScrolled commits to not sharing this information with third parties, a significant differentiator in an industry often criticized for data monetization[3]. Users also retain the ability to delete collected information when creating their accounts, providing additional control over their digital footprint[3].

Market Momentum and Broader Trends in Social Media

UpScrolled's surge reflects broader user sentiment regarding social media platforms and data privacy concerns. The app's growth coincided with significant industry developments, including TikTok's restructuring and the formation of a US joint venture with new ownership[2]. However, UpScrolled is not alone in capitalizing on user demand for alternatives. Other platforms, including Skylight—a TikTok alternative built on open-source technology—have topped over 380,000 sign-ups[1]. Additionally, Spill, founded by former Twitter employees and launched in 2023, has experienced recent upticks in signups and reached the No. 17 position in the social category[2].

Despite the competitive environment, UpScrolled has maintained momentum across multiple geographic markets. The platform has seen surges of interest in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, suggesting its appeal extends beyond North America[3]. The app is available on both iOS and Android, ensuring accessibility across major mobile platforms while the team works to scale infrastructure to accommodate rapid user growth[1].

Frequently Asked Questions

What features does UpScrolled offer?

UpScrolled combines familiar features from Instagram and X, allowing users to share photos, videos, and text posts, discover new content through a Discovery Page, send direct messages, and follow hashtags or trends[1][3]. The platform emphasizes user control and transparency in its design.

Who founded UpScrolled and what is his background?

UpScrolled was founded by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist who previously worked at major tech companies including IBM and Oracle[2]. Hijazi created the platform with the mission of empowering users and putting control back in their hands rather than with corporations[1].

How does UpScrolled handle user data and privacy?

UpScrolled collects user data including personal information, location, photos, and videos primarily for fraud prevention, security, and account management[3]. The platform commits to not sharing this information with third parties and allows users to delete collected data when creating their accounts[3].

When did UpScrolled launch and how quickly did it grow?

UpScrolled launched in June 2025 and grew from 150,000 users to 2.5 million users through word-of-mouth[3]. The platform experienced particularly rapid growth in late January 2026, with 85% of its US downloads occurring between January 21-27[2].

Why has UpScrolled become so popular recently?

UpScrolled's surge in popularity stems from user demand for social media alternatives that prioritize transparency, authenticity, and user control[2]. The platform's growth accelerated following major changes in the social media industry and user concerns about data privacy and algorithmic control[1][2].

Is UpScrolled available on all devices?

Yes, UpScrolled is available on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to users across major mobile operating systems[1]. The app is ranked highly in both Apple's App Store and Google Play Store in the social networking category[2].